Out and about in Dunster, Exmoor and Somerset

Dunster village

​Dunster is probably the largest complete medieval village in England, with its 1,000 year old castle looking down on the historic village centre with its medieval Yarn Market, Watermill and unique selection of shops, cafes and restaurants. Just a short walk from the stunning Somerset coast with its charming English Beach Huts and West Somerset Heritage Railway.For further details on attractions, events, shopping and eating out go to the Discover Dunster page.​​

For more informtion on Dunster Village see Discover Dunster Instagram, Facebook and Twitter pages​​

The Exmoor National Park Centre at Dunster TA24 6SE is ideally located next to the main car park in Dunster Steep. During the summer months it is open 7 days a week 10am to 5pm. Inside you will find interactive exhibits, a video microscope and information leaflets, maps and books on the area that introduce you to the special habitat that is Exmoor.Visit the exhibition room and take the time to see the film introducing the National Park.The knowledgeable staff will be pleased to assist with information about The National Park, surrounding villages and public transport in the area, including local bus services and the West Somerset Railway.​​

Hidden Dunster Guided Walks

​Enjoy strolling around the medieval village of Dunster with a guide to explain its fascinating history.The walks start from the Dunster National Park Centre on Dunster Steep and are free of charge although donations for Care Moor for Exmoor are welcomed.Booking is advisable, phone: 01643 821835

There are loads of other great walks in the area see our walk & explore page for further details.

Dunster Castle

Dunster Castle TA24 6SL is an ancient castle with dramatic views and subtropical gardens.Sited overlooking Dunster village, a castle has existed here since at least 1,000 years ago, with an impressive medieval gatehouse and ruined tower giving a reminder of its turbulent history.The castle that you see today was the country seat of the Luttrell family, who lived here for over 600 years.The castle boasts spectacular views toward the Bristol Channel, the Quantock Hills AONB and the moors of Exmoor National Park.Why not 'Bring your Dog' as the gardens are dog friendly

What's going on in Somerset

For lots more useful information about what's on, entertainment, places to visit and things to do within the county of Somerset while you are visiting us. Click on the images from 'What's On Somerset', Exmoor magazine and the'Visit Somerset' websites for further information.We particually like 'Secret Somerset and Exmoor' which has 50 hidden gems that locals and visitors have suggested.For more ideas please see our 'Out and About', 'Walk and Explore' pages and Where's Maverick Blog.

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park is an area of hilly open moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland bordering the Bristol Channel covering 268 square miles crossing the counties of Somerset and Devon. Below are just a few examples of what Exmoor has to offer during your stay.

Exmoor National Park designated as Europe’s first ‘Dark Sky Reserve’.Exmoor is one of the few places in England where low levels of light pollution allow uninterrupted views of the night sky. On a clear evening, the night sky of Exmoor is simply stunning when many astronomical sights can be seen with the naked eye. There are several ideal vantage points, Treborough and Webbers Post are the closest to Dunster Beach. Click on the image for further information and a map detailing the best stargazing locations.​​​

The Exmoor Pony Centre at Ashwick Dulverton TA22 9QE is a small charity run business, owned by the Moorland Mousie Trust, working to promote and protect the endangered rare-breed Exmoor pony.Admission is free, there is a pony petting pen, paddocks, small visitor centre and picnic area. Dogs are also welcome.

Tarr Steps at Dulverton TA22 9PYAn ancient Exmoor clapper bridge, the longest of its kind in Britain, crossing the River Barle. For a short stroll along the river, a day's walking in the heart of Exmoor or even for just a picnic Tarr Steps lets you walk in the footsteps of Exmoor's Past.According to local folk law, a deal was struck between an Exmoor Parson and the Devil that nobody shall cross the bridge if the Devil is sunbathing, the agreement still holds today.

Activities on Exmoor

Whether it be an action packed, adrenalin pumped break away you're after or a more relaxing escape from the world, Exmoor has it all to offer plus all the bits in between. Below are just a few suggestions for activities with links to companies that can help make your dream holiday a reality.

Wimbleball Lake near Dulverton, TA22 9NU is the first Dark Skies Discovery Site on Exmoor and is open for tuition in various watersports activities, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and rowing. You can also launch your own craft or hire direct from the centre.For those who prefer to stay on land there are also a variety of land based activities to choose from including climbing, high ropes, archery and cycling.Wimbleball is also a premier trout fishery offering angling from the banks and boats.Surrounding the lake there are miles of footpaths including a 9-mile round lake walk and is ideal for dog walking.A Tramper, electric all-terrain mobility scooter designed specifically to cover rough ground is available to hire for visitors with limited mobility.​​

One of the best ways to experience Exmoor is by horse. Burrowhayes Farm in Horner Woods West Luccombe, Minehead TA24 8HT, one of several riding stables in the area, offers rides for all abilities, so whether you are a complete novice or a competant rider this centre caters for everyone. Escorted rides take you out to the glorious Horner Valley and open moorland of Exmoor. You can take in the breathtaking landscape with the added thrill of being on horseback.

For a range of activities including mountain biking, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, coasteering and canoeing plus loads more why not try the award winning Exmoor Adventures based at The Old Bus Garage, Porlock Weir TA24 8PE07976 208279 ​www.exmooradventures.co.uk ​​

They offer everything from kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, coasteering and for land lovers wildlife tours, mountain biking and even knife and axe throwing.

Would you like to learn more about Exmoor? Why not try an Exmoor Safaril where you can see the Exmoor Ponies, Red Deer, Birdlife and the Flora and Fauna. There are several companies that offer 4 wheel drive tours through the beautiful scenery of Exmoor

Shopping

If your idea of shopping is to just browse around a selection of small independent shops, stopping for home-made cake or a local beer then you will love the local villages. Dunster, Porlock and Watchet.

Dunster has an assortment of small retailers, some great cafes as well as the National Trust shop within the old stables of the castle

Watchet has a handfull of shops, marina and a selection of art galleries in 'Containers'

Porlock and it's neighbour Porlock Wier with its pretty harbour and quirky cafes and artisan shops

If you are happy to travel a little further and want a lager selection of quirky, indepependent shops why not visit Glastonbury or Lynton & Lynmouth. We can recommend both of these towns for a day out and for loads more information why not see Mavericks blogs

Clarks Village Outlet Shopping Farm Road, Street BA16 0BBWith over 90 famous name stores, you'll find a fantastic range of men's, women's and children's fashions, footwear and gifts all with massive high street reductions. Clarks is an all day shopping event with cafe's, restaurants and is a shopaholics dream.

The Courthouse Interiors The Square, Wivelliscombe TA4 2JTWhy not have a drive through Exmoor and visit this beautiful Grade II listed building reminiscent of a small Liberty of London. It is a showcase for luxury and individuality with goods you would not find on the high street.. It also has a quaint coffee shop with home made cakes.​

Lyn Valley Art and Crafts Old Methodist Church, Lee Road, Lynton EX35 6HTThis converted chapel houses more than 50 local traders producing high quality goods from Exmoor and the surrounding area.Why not pop in to Charlie Friday's Coffee Shop just up the road at: Steps Church, Church Hill, EX35 6HY which was voted best cafe in North Devon in 2016 for home made soup and cakes.

How about visiting the county town of Taunton it has all the usual High Street names and also a large range of independent shops, many of them long-established. You are able to park at the 'Park and Ride' at Silk Mills Road TA1 5AA a hassle free way of arriving in Taunton.

Museums

Well worth a visit is the Museum of Somerset in the 12th century Taunton Castle at Castle Green, Taunton TA1 4AA Admission is free and the exhibits tell the county’s story from prehistoric times to the present day.The museum also has a cafe and shop and incorporates the Somerset Military Museum telling the stories of Somerset's Regiments in both war and peacetime.​

The Bakelite Museum at Orchard Mill, Bridge Street, Williton TA4 4NS is an enormous collection of vintage plastics, from the earliest experimental materials to the 1970's, all set in an 18th Century Mill. You can also treat yourself to a vintage china Somerset Cream Tea in the museum's own tea room. Dogs are welcome.

Dovery Manor Museum and Gardens in the popular village of Porlock is one of Somerset's smaller museums. Well worth popping into whilst on a visit to the village. Free entry, but a donation is appreciated. Doverhay Porlock TA24 8QB

Dunster's Community Museum and Doll Collection. Discover the story of this beautiful Exmoor village and travel through time from the villages beginnings to the present in the WW1 Memorial Hall with free admission at 17 High Street Dunster TA24 6SF .

For an insight into Somerset's rural past the Rural Life Museum tells the story of Victorian domestic life, the farming year and local crafts and industries. The grounds contain a traditional cider apple orchard which is home to rare breeds of sheep and chickens. The museum is at Abbey Farm, Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury BA6 8DB

Fleet Air Arm Museum at RNAS Yeovilton Ilchester BA22 8HT.The Royal Navy In the Air. With 4 exhibition halls, over 90 aircraft, over 2 million records and 30 thousand artefacts the Museum is Europe's largest naval aviation museum. In addition it houses the Bristol built and Britains 1st Concorde which you can go on board and view the cockpit and also visit the award winning Aircraft Carrier Experience. Cafe and restaurant on-site.

West Somerset Railway

The West Somerset Railway is a 22 mile heritage railway that runs through Dunster en-route from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, it is the largest independent heritage railway in the UK. Closed in 1971 as part of the infamous 'Beeching Cuts' of 1963, it was re-opened in 1976, initially as a commuter and tourist route for Minehead, but later as a heritage railway. Today the railway runs between March and October with special services operating between November and February. With its pretty period stations starting at Bishops Lydeard, continuing onto Crowcombe Heathfield, Stogumber, Williton, and Doniford Halt via the Quantock Hills and meets the West Somerset Coast at Watchet, Washford, Blue Anchor, and Dunster, terminating at Minehead.A freedom of the line ticket is available giving you unlimited travel for up to 7 consecutive days, a great way to explore West Somerset, dogs are welcome too.